Lunch and learn sessions build knowledge and team
Sub Acute Medicine (SAM) has found the winning formula for successful lunch and learn sessions.
For the past eight months, on the second Wednesday of each month, nurses, allied health staff and hospitalists from CP7AB, CP7CD CP8AB and CP10D gather to share information and a meal.
The idea for these casual but focused lunch and learn sessions evolved from the Gallop result review. While we were pleased with our results, we wondered if we could be doing more to improve on the areas, ” How can we grow?” and ” Do I belong ?”
Dr. Dave Wilton, a hospitalist and medical manager for the hospitalist program suggested a regular, fun and educational event. Since June 2012, a monthly 45-minute session, including a 25-minute hospitalist presentation, has filled the unit meeting room to capacity.
Before launching the first session, the SAM leadership team developed two objectives: fostering team building between hospitalists and staff and promoting best practice by expanding knowledge base of typical cases managed by hospitalists.
Dr. Shivdasani is coordinating the topics covered. Hospitalists volunteer for their topic several months in advance, so the following month Lunch and Learn session can be posted for the staff in advance. Six or seven hospitalists always attend. And a little known fact is the hospitalists also provide a sandwich and bottled water for all attendees each month.
We’ve covered the following topics and our list for this year is growing:
- Tachycardia by Dr. Lemier
- Bradycardia by Dr. Ridley
- Urinary retention by Dr. Krykorka
- Hypertension by Dr. Shivdasani
- DVT by Dr. Benedeck
- Mental health Act by Dr. Persaud
- Issues in tube feeding by Dr. Paletta
- Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) by Dr. Bakonyi
Staff choose topics; hospitalists present on them
“All the hospitalists have been quite enthusiastic to learn about and present topics that the nursing and allied health staff want – from medical emergencies to controversial topics such as tube feeding, to confusing situations such as involuntary admission,” says Lunch and Learn coordinator Dr. Kumar Shivdasani.
“We are quite humbled that they enjoy engaging in discussions with us. Many staff come in on their days off to attend – it’s quite gratifying.”
In surveys, 100 per cent of participants agree that the
sessions expand knowledge base and foster teambuilding.
More casual environment fosters teamwork
“There’s lots of interest on the nurses’ part to learn from the hospitalists directly,” says RN Scott McGee. “It’s a wonderful way to get to know the hospitalists in a less serious environment than when you’re patient-focused. “
“It clears up any misconceptions when people can ask questions in a friendly environment,” says dietitian Charissa Anderson.
“I’ve gained a better understanding of other issues that I don’t normally deal with,” dietitian Hillary Woo adds, “and I get to hear the doctors’ perspective on aspects of patient care that I’m involved in.” “It’s a great continuing education opportunity that also brings the team together.”